Cuba does not represent a threat to any country, especially the United States, stated the Secretary General of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Jerry Pillay, on Tuesday at the conclusion of a pastoral visit to this Caribbean nation.
In statements to Prensa Latina, the religious leader described the designation of Cuba as unjustified, a designation used by the White House to intensify the blockade and impose its policy of maximum pressure on the island.
Pillay noted that after interacting with the religious community, the general population, and government representatives, he reaffirmed his conviction that Cuba is not an enemy of the United States, and he is in favor of a respectful dialogue with the authorities of that country to address issues of bilateral interest.
He also spoke out against the policies of economic strangulation and threats of military aggression against sovereign countries, and highlighted the Cuban people’s resilience in the face of such aggression.
For his part, Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock, general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), affirmed that he has witnessed Cuba’s ongoing collaboration with the world, especially in matters related to education and health.
Cuba is a benefit to the world, he told this agency, adding that one of his tasks will be to publicize the reality of the Cuban people and dismantle the false narrative that attempts to portray this Caribbean nation as a threat.
According to Rev. Reynaldo Ferreira Leao Neto, general secretary of the World Methodist Council, during his visit to Havana, the ecumenical delegation he is part of observed that there is full religious freedom, and that churches operate without obstacles and with complete transparency.
Leao Neto said he was a witness to the historic relationship of collaboration, friendship, and respect between Cuba and Africa, and to the feelings of gratitude from the people of that continent toward this Caribbean nation.
Also participating in the conference held at the International Press Center in Havana were Reverend Dora Arce, General Secretary of the Presbyterian Reformed Church in Cuba and of the Association of Reformed Churches in Latin America, and a member of the Executive Committee of the WCRC; and Bishop Anthony Poggo, General Secretary of the Anglican World Communion.
The other members of the visiting delegation also attended the press conference: Reverend Jihyun Oh, Permanent General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA), and Reverend Michael Blair, General Secretary of the United Church of Canada.
Also present was Reverend Jimmie R. Hawkins, Director of Advocacy for the Office of Public Affairs in Washington, D.C., and the United Nations Office of the PCUSA (Presbyterian Church USA).
This pastoral visit comes at a time when Cuba is facing a complex situation, following the executive order issued last January by President Donald Trump to strangle the economy and deprive it of energy resources with the purpose of subverting the revolutionary process on the island.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
